Fred McGriff featured at inaugural West Villages golf tournament

North Port, Florida - WEST VILLAGES -- Atlanta Braves legend Fred McGriff will take part in inaugural West Villages Invitational golf tournament set for Friday at Plantation Golf & Country Club.

Proceeds from the tournament support Southeastern Guide Dogs.

McGriff, nicknamed as "Crime Dog," by ESPN’s Chris Berman, is a Tampa native who won a World Series with the Braves in 1995. He played eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.

McGriff ended his career with 493 home runs -- tied with Lou Gehrig -- and was an All-Star in both leagues during his career.

Organizers said there is limited space available. It is a shotgun start format with a four-person scramble tournament.

The tee time is 8:30 a.m. with registration $150 per player.

"Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs including people who are blind and for veterans, providing dogs and lifetime services at no cost, without government funding," organizers said.

The day is open to West Villages residents and surrounding community members. It includes prizes and awards.

There will also be food, beverages and a raffle available.

For more information on registering, visit www.WestVillagesGolf.com.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.